The Ultimate Guide to Essential Kitchen Tools of 2023

The kitchen is the heart of every home. To make cooking and meal preparation easier and more enjoyable, it is important to have the right tools. This guide will help you find the essential kitchen tools you need to make your time in the kitchen more efficient and enjoyable.

Cutting Board 🔪🏽

A cutting board is a must-have tool for every kitchen. It helps protect your countertops and keeps your knives sharp. Look for a sturdy board made from wood or bamboo.

• A cutting board is a flat surface used to chop, dice, and mince ingredients.
• Using a cutting board helps to protect your countertops and makes cleaning up easier.
• Harder materials like bamboo or plastic are more durable and less likely to dull your knives.
• It’s also important to have multiple cutting boards for different tasks, such as a dedicated board for cutting raw meat.

💡 Tips:

1. Choose a board with a non-slip bottom to prevent it from sliding while in use.
2. Use different boards for different ingredients (e.g., one for meat and another for vegetables) to avoid cross-contamination.

📋 Care & Storing Instruction:

• Store in a dry place to avoid warping
• Clean thoroughly after each use
• Avoid putting it in the dishwasher
• Rotate frequently to prevent uneven wear

Best 3 Cutting Boards According to Customer Reviews on Amazon

1. Farberware Large Cutting Board
2. Hiware Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Board for Kitchen
3. Plastic Cutting Board, 3 Pieces

Knives 🔪

A good set of knives is essential for any kitchen. Invest in a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated knife. Make sure to keep your knives sharp to make cooking easier and safer.

• Knives are essential kitchen tools for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
• Invest in a good set of knives with a comfortable grip and sharp blades to make cooking tasks easier.
• A chef’s knife is the most versatile and can be used for many different tasks.
• A paring knife is good for peeling and trimming, while a serrated knife is ideal for cutting bread and soft fruits.

💡 Tips:

1. Choose the right knife for the job (e.g. a chef’s knife for chopping and a paring knife for peeling).
2. Keep knives sharp for more precise cutting and less strain on your wrist.
3. Use a cutting board to protect your countertops and to extend the life of your knives.

📋 Care & Storing Instruction:

• Store in a knife block or on a magnetic strip
• Use honing steel to sharpen before each use
• Keep blades dry to avoid rust
• Store safely to avoid injury

Best 3 Knives According to Customer Reviews on Amazon

1. Home Hero Kitchen Knife Set, 17-piece Chef Knife Set
2. HENCKELS Premium Quality 15-Piece Knife Set with Block
3. Astercook Knife Set with Built-in Sharpener Block

Measuring Cups and Spoons 🍵🥄

Measuring cups and spoons are essential kitchen tools for accurate ingredient measurements. They come in a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and glass.

• Measuring cups and spoons are important for ensuring accuracy in recipes.
• Use measuring cups for liquids and measuring spoons for solids or small amounts of liquid.
• Stainless steel is a durable and long-lasting material for measuring cups and spoons.
• Make sure to measure ingredients precisely, especially when baking, to ensure the desired outcome.

💡 Tips:

1. Use measuring cups for liquids and measuring spoons for solids.
2. Measure ingredients precisely for best results in cooking and baking.
3. Check measurements at eye level to ensure accuracy.

📋 Care & Storing Instruction:

• Store in a dry place to avoid rust
• Hang or store in a drawer for easy access
• Label each spoon with its size for easy identification

Best 3 Measuring Cups and Spoons According to Customer Reviews on Amazon

1. Stainless Steel Measuring Cups And Measuring Spoons 10-Piece Set
2. EWAGOA Measuring Cups and Spoons Set of 10 Pieces
3. TILUCK measuring cups and magnetic measuring spoons set 12-Piece Set

Whisk 🥍

A whisk is a versatile tool for making sauces, dressings, and mixtures. Look for a whisk with a comfortable handle and flexible wires for easy use.

• A whisk is a kitchen tool used for mixing ingredients together.
• It’s great for whipping cream, eggs, sauces, and batter.
• Look for a whisk with a comfortable grip and sturdy wires that won’t bend or break easily.
• Whisks come in various sizes, from small balloon whisks to larger flat whisks.
• Use a whisk to mix ingredients together evenly and incorporate air for a lighter texture.

💡 Tips:

1. Use a whisk to incorporate air into the mixture, such as whipping cream or eggs.
2. Choose the right size whisk for the amount of mixture you’re working with.
3. Use a whisk for gentle stirring to avoid over-mixing and developing the gluten in the batter.

📋 Care & Storing Instruction:

• Store in a dry place to avoid rust
• Hang or store in a drawer for easy access
• Clean thoroughly after each use

Best 3 Whisk According to Customer Reviews on Amazon

1. OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk, Black
2. Whisks for Cooking, 3 Pack Stainless Steel Whisk
3. Joseph Joseph 981000 Twist Whisk 2-In-1 Collapsible Balloon and Flat Whisk

Spatula 🍳

A spatula is a multi-functional tool for flipping, scraping, and serving. Look for a heat-resistant spatula made from silicone or stainless steel.

• A spatula is a flat tool used for flipping food and stirring ingredients.
• There are various types of spatulas, including silicone, metal, and wooden.
• Silicone spatulas are heat-resistant and ideal for cooking and stirring in hot pans.
• Use a spatula to gently turn food without tearing or breaking it and to remove food from containers easily.
• Look for a spatula with a comfortable grip and a flexible yet sturdy blade.

💡 Tips:

1. Choose a heat-resistant spatula for cooking on the stove.
2. Use a flexible spatula for flipping delicate foods such as pancakes or eggs.
3. Use a metal or silicone spatula for scraping down the sides of a mixing bowl or saucepan.

📋 Care & Storing Instruction:

• Store in a dry place to avoid rust
• Hang or store in a drawer for easy access
• Clean thoroughly after each use

Best 3 Spatula According to Customer Reviews on Amazon

1. Unicook 2 Pack Flexible Silicone Spatula, Turner, 600F Heat Resistant
2. KitchenAid Classic Slotted Turner, One Size, Black 2, 13.66-Inch
3. Pack of 2 Silicone Solid Turner , Non-Stick Slotted Kitchen Spatulas

Tongs 🍴

Tongs are essential kitchen tools for grilling and serving food. Look for tongs with a locking mechanism for easy storage.

• Tongs are kitchen tools used for picking up and flipping food.
• Tongs are great for grilling, sauteing, and serving food.
• Look for tongs with a comfortable grip, a locking mechanism for storage, and a heat-resistant material.
• Tongs can be used to distribute heat and avoid burning your hands while cooking evenly.
• Use tongs to serve salads, pick up hot food, and flip ingredients in a pan.

💡 Tips:

1. Use tongs for flipping or handling food while cooking to avoid using utensils that pierce the food.
2. Choose a pair of tongs with a locking mechanism for easy storage.
3. Look for tongs with silicone tips to prevent scratching on non-stick cookware.

📋 Care & Storing Instruction:

• Store in a dry place to avoid rust
• Hang or store in a drawer for easy access
• Clean thoroughly after each use

Best 3 Tongs According to Customer Reviews on Amazon

1. The Original Popco Tongs for Cooking – Set of 3 (7, 9, 12 inches)
2. Tribal Cooking Kitchen Tongs with Silicone Tips – Stainless Steel tongs for cooking – 9″ and 12″ T
3. 2 Pack Black Kitchen Tongs, Premium Silicone BPA Free Non-Stick Stainless Steel

Pots and Pans 🥘

Pots and pans are essential kitchen tools for every kitchen. Look for pots and pans made from durable materials such as stainless steel or cast iron.

• Available in a variety of sizes, materials, and shapes.
• Used for cooking a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, sauces, and more.
• Common materials include stainless steel, cast iron, and non-stick surfaces.

💡 Tips:

1. Choose pots and pans with a heavy bottom to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution.
2. Use a non-stick pan for delicate foods to avoid sticking.
3. Match the size of the pot or pan to the stove-top burner for more efficient heating.

📋 Care & Storing Instruction:

• Store in a dry place to avoid rust
• Hang or store in a drawer for easy access
• Clean thoroughly after each use
• Store lids separately to save space

Best 3 Pots and Pans According to Customer Reviews on Amazon

1. GreenLife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic Nonstick 16 Piece Cookware Pots and Pans Set
2. CAROTE Pots and Pans Set Nonstick, White Granite Induction Kitchen Cookware Sets, 10 Pcs Non-Stick Cooking Set
3. Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Saucepan Set – 1 Quart and 2 Quart Sauce Pan Set with Lid

Baking Sheets 🍪

Baking sheets are perfect for making cookies, roasting vegetables, and more. Look for a set of baking sheets made from heavy-duty aluminum for even heat distribution.

• Flat, rectangular pans are used for baking cookies, biscuits, and more.
• Often made of aluminum or stainless steel.
• Some baking sheets have a non-stick coating for easy release of baked goods.

💡 Tips:

1. Use a heavy-duty baking sheet for better heat conduction and to prevent warping.
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
3. Choose the right size baking sheet for your oven and the amount of food being baked.

📋 Care & Storing Instruction:

• Store in a dry place to avoid rust
• Hang or store in a drawer for easy access
• Clean thoroughly after each use

Best 3 Baking Sheets According to Customer Reviews on Amazon

1. NutriChef Non-Stick Kitchen Oven Baking Pans-Deluxe & Stylish Nonstick Gray Coating Inside & Outside
2. Nordic Ware 3 Piece Baker’s Delight Set, 1 Pack, Aluminum
3. Gorilla Grip Non-Stick Jelly Roll Baking Pans, Thick Warp Proof, 3 Piece

Colander 🗑️

A colander is an essential tool for draining pasta and vegetables. Look for a colander made from durable, rust-resistant materials.

• A kitchen tool with a perforated bottom and holes on the sides.
• Used for draining boiled pasta, vegetables, and other foods.
• Made of plastic, stainless steel, or other materials.

💡 Tips:

1. Use a colander for draining pasta, vegetables, or other foods.
2. Choose a colander with small holes for delicate foods such as berries and large holes for sturdier foods.
3. Use a colander with feet for stability when draining hot liquids.

📋 Care & Storing Instruction:

• Store in a dry place to avoid rust
• Hang or store in a drawer for easy access
• Clean thoroughly after each use

Best 3 Colander According to Customer Reviews on Amazon

1. Stainless Steel Colander With Handle and Legs, Large Metal Green Strainer
2. HÖLM 3-Piece Stainless Steel Mesh Micro-Perforated Strainer Colander Set
3. ExcelSteel Heavy Duty Handles and Self-draining Solid Ring Base Stainless Steel Colander

Strainer 🛁

Strainers are must-have essential Kitchen tools for draining liquids from food. Look for a strainer with a fine mesh for easy straining.

• A kitchen tool with a mesh bottom is used to separate solid food particles from liquids.
• Used for straining sauces, soups, broths, and other liquids.
• Made of metal or plastic, with a handle for easy use.

💡 Tips:

1. Use a strainer for sifting dry ingredients such as flour or powdered sugar.
2. Choose a fine-mesh strainer for straining liquids, such as broth or juice.
3. Look for a strainer with a sturdy handle for ease of use.

📋 Care & Storing Instruction:

• Store in a dry place to avoid rust
• Hang or store in a drawer for easy access
• Clean thoroughly after each use

Best 3 Strainers According to Customer Reviews on Amazon

1. Makerstep Set of 3 Stainless Steel Fine Mesh Strainers Graduated Sizes 3.38″, 5.5″, 7.87″
2. QiMH Collapsible Colander and Strainer, 5 Quart(1.25 gal)
3. YLYL 3 Pcs Super Wire Extra Fine Mesh Strainer with Handle

Blender 🍹

A blender is a must-have tool for making smoothies, soups, and sauces. Look for a blender with a powerful motor and a large jar for easy blending.

• Essential kitchen tool for making smoothies, sauces, soups, and purees.
• Offers versatility with multiple blades and speed settings.
• Perfect for blending hard ingredients like ice and nuts.
• Easy to use with simple buttons and control settings.

💡 Tips:

1. Use a blender for pureing smooth sauces, soups, and smoothies.
2. Choose a blender with multiple speeds for versatility.
3. Start on low speed and gradually increase to avoid splattering hot liquids.

📋 Care & Storing Instruction:

• Store the base in a dry place to avoid rust
• Clean thoroughly after each use
• Store blades separately to avoid injury

Best 3 Blenders According to Customer Reviews on Amazon

1. Magic Bullet Blender, Small, Silver, 11-Piece Set
2. Hamilton Beach Wave Crusher Blender with 40 Oz Glass Jar and 14 Functions
3. Anthter Professional Plus Blenders For Kitchen, 950W Motor Smoothie Blender with Stainless Countertop

Slow Cooker 🍯

A slow cooker is a convenient tool for making stews, soups, and casseroles. Look for a slow cooker with adjustable temperature settings and a timer for easy use.

• Convenient tool for slow-cooking meals such as stews, soups, and roasts.
• Retains flavors and nutrients by cooking at a low temperature over a longer period of time.
• Offers hands-free cooking, as ingredients can be added in the morning and be ready for dinner.

💡 Tips:

1. Use a slow cooker for making stews, soups, and other dishes that benefit from long, slow cooking.
2. Layer ingredients in the order specified in the recipe, usually with denser ingredients on the bottom and more delicate ingredients on top.
3. Fill the slow cooker no more than two-thirds full to avoid boiling over during cooking.

📋 Care & Storing Instruction:

• Store in a dry place to avoid rust
• Clean thoroughly after each use

Best 3 Slow Cookers According to Customer Reviews on Amazon

1. Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker
2. Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S-A 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer
3. GreenLife Cook Duo Healthy Ceramic Nonstick 6QT Slow Cooker

Rice Cooker 🍚

Rice cookers are convenient essential kitchen tools for making perfect rice every time. Look for a rice cooker with a steaming basket for cooking vegetables and fish.

• Ideal for cooking perfect rice every time with just the push of a button.
• Consistent heating and automatic shut-off prevent burning or undercooking.
• It can also be used to cook other grains, such as quinoa, oatmeal, and barley.

💡 Tips:

1. Use a rice cooker for perfectly cooked rice every time.
2. Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for water-to-rice ratios for best results.

📋 Care & Storing Instruction:

• Store in a dry place to avoid rust
• Clean thoroughly after each use

Best 3 Rice Cookers According to Customer Reviews on Amazon

1. Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Digital Cool-Touch Rice Grain Cooker and Food Steamer
2. Instant Pot Duo Plus, 8-Quart Whisper Quiet 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer
3. COMFEE Rice Cooker, 6-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi-Cooker, Slow Cooker, Steamer, Saute, and Warmer

Toaster 🍞

Toasters are essential kitchen tools for making breakfast. Look for a toaster with multiple settings for toasting bread, bagels, and more.

• Quick and easy way to make toasted bread, bagels, and pastries.
• Multiple settings for light or dark toasting.
• Some models also offer additional features like defrosting and reheating.

💡 Tips:

1. Use a toaster for toasting bread, bagels, waffles, and more.
2. Adjust the toaster’s settings to accommodate different types of bread and desired levels of toasting.
3. Clean the toaster regularly to prevent crumbs from building up and causing a fire hazard.

📋 Care & Storing Instruction:

• Store in a dry place to avoid rust
• Clean the crumb tray after each use

Best 3 Toaster According to Customer Reviews on Amazon

1. Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 Long Slot 4 Slice Toaster, Reheat, 6 Toast Settings, Defrost, Cancel Functions
2. 2 Slice Toaster CUSINAID Black Wide Slot Toaster 2 Slice Best Rated Prime with Pop Up Reheat Defrost Functions
3. BELLA 2 Slice Toaster, Quick & Even Results Every Time, Wide Slots Fit Any Size Bread Like Bagels or Texas Toast

Microwave ♨️

Microwaves are convenient essential kitchen tools for heating up leftovers, popcorn, and more. Look for a microwave with multiple cooking settings for easy use.

• Quick and convenient tool for heating up leftovers, defrosting food, and cooking simple meals.
• Offers a variety of power levels to customize the cooking time and temperature.
• Many models also have a built-in grill, oven, and steaming function.

💡 Tips:

1. Use a microwave for quickly reheating leftovers or cooking simple dishes.
2. Cover food to prevent splatters and retain moisture.
3. Stir or rotate food occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Avoid using metal in the microwave, as it can cause sparks.

📋 Care & Storing Instruction:

• Store in a dry place to avoid rust
• Clean thoroughly after each use
• Store the turntable and other removable parts separately for cleaning purposes.

Best 3 Microwaves According to Customer Reviews on Amazon

1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1100W
2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
3. Galanz GLCMKZ09RDR09 Retro Countertop Microwave Oven with Auto Cook & Reheat, Defrost, Quick Start Functions, Easy Clean with Glass Turntable, Pull Handle, 0.9 cu ft, Red

What are the 7 materials of kitchen utensils?

The 7 common materials for kitchen utensils are:

1. Stainless steel
2. Plastic
3. Silicone
4. Wood
5. Cast iron
6. Aluminum
7. Copper

Things needed to set up a kitchen

To set up a basic kitchen, the following items are typically needed:

1. Cookware (pots, pans, baking sheets, etc.)
2. Utensils (spoons, spatulas, knives, etc.)
3. Cutting board
4. Dishware (plates, bowls, glasses, etc.)
5. Small appliances (toaster, blender, coffee maker, etc.)
6. Refrigerator and/or freezer
7. Stove and/or oven
8. Sink with faucet
9. Dish towels and/or dishcloths
10. Trash can and/or garbage disposal
11. Food storage containers
12. Can opener, measuring cups and spoons, colander, etc.

Note: The specific items needed may vary based on individual cooking and dining habits.

FAQ

Question: What are the essential kitchen utensils?
Answer: The essential kitchen utensils include a chef’s knife, cutting board, spatula, tongs, colander, mixing bowls, and measuring spoons/cups.

Question: What material is best for kitchen utensils?
Answer: The best material for kitchen utensils depends on the use, but generally, stainless steel, silicone, and wooden utensils are popular choices.

Question: What are the differences between silicone and plastic utensils?
Answer: Silicone utensils are heat-resistant, non-stick, and dishwasher-safe. Plastic utensils are lighter and less expensive but may melt or warp when exposed to high heat.

Question: Can metal kitchen utensils be used on non-stick cookware?
Answer: Most metal kitchen utensils can scratch non-stick cookware, so it’s recommended to use silicone or plastic utensils on non-stick surfaces.

Question: How should kitchen utensils be cleaned and maintained?
Answer: Kitchen utensils should be cleaned after each use, either by hand or in the dishwasher. They should also be dried thoroughly to prevent rusting or other damage. Wooden utensils should be oiled periodically to prevent drying and cracking.

In conclusion, having the right kitchen tools will make cooking and meal preparation easier and more enjoyable. From cutting boards to slow cookers, this guide will help you find the essential kitchen tools you need to make your time in the kitchen more efficient and enjoyable.